John Howard Umney
Encyclopedia
Second Lieutenant John Howard Umney was an English flying ace
from World War I. He flew as a gunner/observer in the rear seat of Bristol F.2 Fighter
s, and was credited with 13 official aerial victories.
, and its successor, the Royal Air Force. He scored his first victory while piloted by Ernest C. Bromley, on 6 May 1918. Umney, Bromley, and Bristol Fighter serial number C4747 would score four more victories in the next ten days; a double destruction of Pfalz D.III
s over Douai
on the 16th made both men aces. They would stay teamed for five more wins; Umney also scored twice as a gunner for Frank George Gibbons
and another time for O.S. Harris. By 25 August 1918, the date of Umney's final win, he had totaled four Pfalz D.III's and a German two-seater reconnaissance plane destroyed, as well as eight other enemy aircraft driven down out of control. He won a Military Cross for his gallantry.
, England. He died intestate; his widow, Maude Louise Umney, administered his estate.
and R.A.F.
For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. During recent operations he destroyed five enemy machines. By his untiring energy and keenness, both in the air and on the ground, he set a splendid example to other observers in the squadron, and greatly helped his pilot in successful encounters.
Flying ace
A flying ace or fighter ace is a military aviator credited with shooting down several enemy aircraft during aerial combat. The actual number of aerial victories required to officially qualify as an "ace" has varied, but is usually considered to be five or more...
from World War I. He flew as a gunner/observer in the rear seat of Bristol F.2 Fighter
Bristol F.2 Fighter
The Bristol F.2 Fighter was a British two-seat biplane fighter and reconnaissance aircraft of the First World War flown by the Royal Flying Corps. It is often simply called the Bristol Fighter or popularly the "Brisfit" or "Biff". Despite being a two-seater, the F.2B proved to be an agile aircraft...
s, and was credited with 13 official aerial victories.
World War I
Umney served with 22 Squadron in both the Royal Flying CorpsRoyal Flying Corps
The Royal Flying Corps was the over-land air arm of the British military during most of the First World War. During the early part of the war, the RFC's responsibilities were centred on support of the British Army, via artillery co-operation and photographic reconnaissance...
, and its successor, the Royal Air Force. He scored his first victory while piloted by Ernest C. Bromley, on 6 May 1918. Umney, Bromley, and Bristol Fighter serial number C4747 would score four more victories in the next ten days; a double destruction of Pfalz D.III
Pfalz D.III
|-See also:-Bibliography:* Gray, Peter and Owen Thetford. German Aircraft of the First World War. London: Putnam, 1962. ISBN 0-93385-271-1.* Grosz, Peter M. Pfalz D.IIIa . Berkhamsted, Herts, UK: Albatros Publications, 1995. ISBN 0-94841-425-1.* Guttman, Jon. Balloon-Busting Aces of World War 1 ...
s over Douai
Douai
-Main sights:Douai's ornate Gothic style belfry was begun in 1380, on the site of an earlier tower. The 80 m high structure includes an impressive carillon, consisting of 62 bells spanning 5 octaves. The originals, some dating from 1391 were removed in 1917 during World War I by the occupying...
on the 16th made both men aces. They would stay teamed for five more wins; Umney also scored twice as a gunner for Frank George Gibbons
Frank George Gibbons
Lieutenant Frank George Gibbons was an aviation pioneer. He was a flying ace credited with fourteen victories, all against enemy fighter planes, during World War I. Postwar, he became an air racer.-World War I:...
and another time for O.S. Harris. By 25 August 1918, the date of Umney's final win, he had totaled four Pfalz D.III's and a German two-seater reconnaissance plane destroyed, as well as eight other enemy aircraft driven down out of control. He won a Military Cross for his gallantry.
Post World War I
John Howard Umney died on 14 August 1934 at 35 Northcourt Avenue, Reading, BerkshireBerkshire
Berkshire is a historic county in the South of England. It is also often referred to as the Royal County of Berkshire because of the presence of the royal residence of Windsor Castle in the county; this usage, which dates to the 19th century at least, was recognised by the Queen in 1957, and...
, England. He died intestate; his widow, Maude Louise Umney, administered his estate.
Citation for Military Cross
2nd Lt. John Howard Umney, Gen. List,and R.A.F.
For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. During recent operations he destroyed five enemy machines. By his untiring energy and keenness, both in the air and on the ground, he set a splendid example to other observers in the squadron, and greatly helped his pilot in successful encounters.